Favorite Hawaii Nightlife Experiences?
 

Aloha Fodorites!

While most people don't go to Hawaii for the nightlife, there are some great things to do on the islands when the sun goes down. My favorite "nightlife" memory on the islands is watching the sun set over Hanalei Bay while sipping a cocktail at the St. Regis Bar in Princeville, Kauai. That view of Bali Hai is unforgettable!

What are your favorite nighttime activities on the islands? Do you relax at the hotel bar or venture out for live music at a local spot?

We enjoyed going to see this show while on Maui:

http://www.warrenandannabelles.com/

Well, one of he favorite things we have done is on the Big Island. We had driven across the volcano and t th end of the road walked across the lava and saw lava flowing into th ocean.

We then drove back across the volcano in th dark. At the top, we pulled to the side of the road, and put the top of our convertible down. We both leaned our car seats back and stared at the amazing stars. I have never seen so many stars in my life. It seemed like we could have reached out and touched them. That Is one of the best memories of our trips to Hawaii.

Night snorkeling with Manta rays on The Big Island.

I will second Volcano National Park at night. Walking to the lava is very cool. Seeing a moonbow is an added plus. The stars are a huge bonus.

Enjoying a meal outdoors at Kona Village Resort -- during the meal, we walked over to the water where they shine lights and the mantas circle and eat. Magical!

That and just watching the stars.

Driving to Haleakala at 3 a.m. with a full moon. Magical. And below us, the sugar cane fields were being burned off. That orange glow added a surreal quality to the evening/morning. Unforgettable.

Would also recommend Ululena show in Lahaina, Maui, which is more of a traditional night out.

I usually am in Waikiki. For 'nightlife' I head to the beach for a glass of wine at sunset. Maybe see the guy run down the street lighting the torches. Then back inland for dinner somewhere less expensive. Walking around the main streets is my fun time in the evenings. I've had my palm read, watched street performers, seen lots of free music and dance, etc. Street of Waikiki are very vibrant and happening after dark.

No, i don't relax at the hotel bar or venture out for live music either one.

Happy hour at Rumfire in the Sheraton Hotel on Waikiki Beach. Window seat so close to the ocean that you can pat passerby on the head. Nice guitarist playing music. Delicious (and cheap) pupus and drinks, watching the sun sink into the ocean.

Hmmm, I may just go do that tomorrow!

On New Year's Eve in 1954 when I had just arrived to join my young husband when he was transferred to Schofield after a year in Korea, we drove up into the Heights, sat on the hood of the car, and watched all the fireworks going off down in the city. Probably not a regular thing to do, but it's a nice memory.

Second Warren & Annabelle's. Great show.

There are wonderful events at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center -- near the airport. This is a beautiful venue -- sometimes there are outdoor shows under the stars!

Mine are XXX rated!

Can't talk about them here on the forum.

But it brings back memories of when I was a young, single sailor stationed at Pearl Harbor.

Nothing terribly exciting, but positively wonderful nonetheless, as our trips to Maui are soul-reviving escapes from Iowa winters. Strolling along the boardwalk on Ka'anapali Beach, or wandering around Front St. in Lahaina. Sitting with a nice beverage by the pool and people-watching. Pure heaven......

Can't beat a night dive with the Manta Rays. 3-6m across - stunning.

We just came back from Big Island, so here are some of my favorite "nightlife" experiences:

* Snorkeling with manta rays at night. Don't go with a boat tour that stops in front of the Sheraton, as the water there is usually very rough. We went to the Sheraton terrace to check it ourselves one night, and the boat didn't even allow their guests to enter the water. But from the Sheraton terrace, we could see 2 manta rays (smaller ones) surfing the rough waves.

But do join a boat tour that goes to a cove near the airport--the water is much calmer there. We took a catamaran (the ride itself was fun!), and the encounter with manta rays was amazing. Manta rays averaging 12-13 ft wide were somersaulting just a few feet beneath us, one even brushed against my husband. We could even see through their wide open mouths as they were scooping up planktons, and all the slits on their bottom side.

* Lying on a hammock or empty cabana of our resort in Kohala under the full moon, and feeling the strong wind blowing on our face and hearing the waves crashing on the rocks right in front of us.

* Sleeping with the sliding doors to our lanai left wide open, and rocked to sleep by the howling wind outside. No need to turn on the ac--we got natural ac.

* Sleeping